Chase continues for Memphis commit Dawson

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- According to three-star Memphis (Tenn.) Ridgeway athlete Sheldon Dawson, his commitment to the Memphis Tigers still stands, but other programs haven't stopped pursuing him.

And Dawson hasn't stopped listening.

Dawson, a 6-foot, 180-pounder, said he is hearing the most from Arkansas, Cincinnati and Tennessee, with programs such as Georgia, Mississippi and Vanderbilt also showing strong interest.

"It's all the schools I've always talked to," Dawson said.

The Tigers' struggles (they're 1-5 after going 1-11 in 2010) have Dawson concerned about the stability of the coaching staff, a group with which he has developed a solid bond.

"As of now, I'm committed," Dawson said. "I've been talking to [Memphis] every now and then. They try to give me a little space and I try to give them a little space. But we always check up on each other and see how we're doing."

Thus far this fall, Dawson, who plays cornerback and running back, has only attended games at Memphis.

"I'm going to try to catch the Tennessee-LSU game (Saturday in Knoxville)," Dawson said. "And I'm going to try to go to an Ole Miss game."

Right now, Dawson is in the process of figuring out which schools he will officially visit. He plans to take those trips after his season ends.

"I'm definitely going to Cincinnati, Tennessee and Memphis," Dawson said. "Tennessee is telling me I'll be a running back or corner, but I believe they're recruiting me as a corner. Cincinnati is recruiting me as a running back. Memphis is recruiting me at both. I like offense, but I'm also doing good on the defensive side."

According to Dawson, Arkansas, Arkansas State and Georgia are vying for his final two officials.

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at kneebs01@aol.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.